Jul 3, 1997
Accident
Substantial NEW IBERIA, LA
Injuries1 serious
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 133
Probable Cause
the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision. A related factor was his failure to follow the company procedure of maintaining visual contact with the external long-line cable, while hovering with it attached.
NTSB FTW97LA252